European Diesel Fuel Systems

Diesel systems on European cars are designed to offer high fuel efficiency and low carbon dioxide emissions, but they also face challenges in meeting the strict standards for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Diesel systems consist of several components, such as the fuel injection system, the turbocharger, the exhaust gas recirculation system, the diesel particulate filter, and the selective catalytic reduction system.

Aussie Tune owner Niegel inspecting brakes on European car
Aussie Tune mechanics working on European car
Mechanic inspecting european car at the Aussie Tune workshop near Dandenong

Common Diesel Fuel Problems:

1. Diesel Injectors

Some of the common problems with diesel injectors are:

Clogging: Diesel injectors can get clogged by dirt, water, or other contaminants in the fuel. This can reduce the fuel flow and spray pattern, resulting in poor engine performance and increased emissions. Clogging can be prevented by using good quality fuel, changing the fuel filter regularly, and using fuel additives that can clean the injectors.

Leaking: Diesel injectors can leak due to worn or damaged seals, cracks, or corrosion. This can cause fuel to drip or spray from the injector nozzle, resulting in fuel loss, fire hazard, and engine damage. Leaking can be detected by inspecting the injectors for signs of wetness, smell, or smoke. Leaking injectors should be replaced as soon as possible.

Sticking: Diesel injectors can stick due to carbon build-up, varnish, or sludge in the injector nozzle or plunger. This can cause the injector to open or close too slowly or not at all, resulting in uneven fuel delivery, engine misfire, and increased emissions. Sticking can be prevented by using good quality fuel, changing the oil regularly, and using fuel additives that can lubricate the injectors.

2. Turbo Chargers

Some of the common issues with the turbocharger on diesel engines are:

Clogging: This occurs when the fuel injectors or the air intake system get clogged by dirt, water, or other contaminants, reducing the fuel flow and air supply to the turbocharger. This can result in poor engine performance, increased emissions, and overheating. Clogging can be prevented by using good quality fuel and air filters, and cleaning the injectors and the intake system regularly.

Leaking: This occurs when the turbocharger or its components leak oil, coolant, or air, causing fuel loss, fire risk, or engine damage. Leaking can be detected by checking for wetness, smell, or smoke around the turbocharger. Leaking components should be replaced as soon as possible.

Wear and tear: This occurs when the turbocharger or its components wear out or break down due to high temperatures, pressures, or speeds, affecting the turbocharger’s efficiency and durability. Wear and tear can be detected by inspecting the turbocharger for signs of cracks, corrosion, or damage. Worn or damaged components should be replaced or repaired as necessary.

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Common Diesel Fuel Problems Part 2

3. The Adblue System

AdBlue systems are used in many European diesel cars to reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by injecting a urea solution into the exhaust system. However, AdBlue systems can also cause some problems, such as:

Contamination: AdBlue can be contaminated by dirt, water, or other substances that can damage the system or affect its performance. Contamination can be prevented by using good quality AdBlue, storing it properly, and refilling the tank carefully.

Leakage: AdBlue can leak from the tank, the pipes, or the injector, causing fuel loss, fire risk, and engine damage. Leakage can be detected by checking for wetness, smell, or smoke around the system. Leaking components should be replaced as soon

4. DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems are designed to reduce the harmful emissions from diesel engines by trapping and burning the soot particles. However, DPF systems can also face some common issues, such as:

Clogging: This occurs when the filter becomes saturated with soot and ash, blocking the exhaust flow and reducing the engine performance and fuel efficiency. Clogging can be prevented by using good quality fuel, changing the fuel filter regularly, and performing periodic regeneration cycles.

Incomplete regeneration: This occurs when the regeneration process, which burns off the accumulated soot, is not effective or interrupted. This can lead to frequent warning lights, unusual exhaust smoke or smell, and increased emissions. Incomplete regeneration can be resolved by manual regeneration or taking the vehicle to a service center.

Ash accumulation: This occurs when ash from engine oil and other contaminants builds up in the filter, affecting its efficiency and increasing the backpressure. Ash accumulation can be prevented by using high-quality engine oils with low ash content and replacing the filter when necessary.

Faulty sensors: This occurs when the sensors that monitor the filter status and trigger the regeneration process malfunction or fail. This can lead to inefficient regeneration cycles, reduced fuel efficiency, and error codes. Faulty sensors can be detected by testing and replaced as necessary.

Temperature issues: This occurs when the engine does not reach the high exhaust temperatures required for the regeneration process. This can be caused by short journeys, low engine load, or cold weather. Temperature issues can be avoided by driving longer distances, increasing the engine load, or using a fuel additive that can lower the regeneration temperature.

Injectors
Adblue
Turbo Charger
DPF
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We believe that if you are claiming quality work it must be backed up and the only way to do this is by the guarantee you offer. All parts that we fit to your car a covered by a minimum 12 month 25,000km warranty; if it fails we replace it no charge what so ever; many of our car repairs and services come with a two year or 50,000km warranty. We are so confident in the systems and processes we have in place that if it wasn't done correctly the first time the repair is redone at no cost to you.

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You can be sure we do and this is why; Information is important when repairing all cars, but essential when working on later model cars. Aussie Tune subscribes to the following technical information sources; Autodata and Autopedia who offer required information such as; manufacturer specific service schedules, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, torque specifications and repair procedures.We regularly attend training clinics and technical information seminars. The owner Nigel has twice traveled to the USA for in depth training in vehicle electronics in Texas and Hybrid vehicle repair in Boston.

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In order to provide quality service and repairs to the modern car you need the right tools and many of them. It is not financially viable for us to buy every tool needed for every vehicle on the road. We have a vast selection of tools suited to our specialist makes so we can offer you the best result.

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Our policy is no, we do not fit parts supplied by customers as we want to be able to warranty our work and when the parts are supplied it becomes messy if there is a warranty issue. It keeps it much clearer if we provide both parts and labor.

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